Summary
The Department progressed a consultation from 16 October – 11 December 2025 on proposals to establish a dedicated organisation to support controlled schools. The report setting out the outcome was published on 16 January 2026.
Documents
- Establishment of a new organisation to support Controlled schools - Consultation Document
- Consultation Questionnaire - The establishment of a new organisation to support Controlled schools
- Data Protection Impact Assessment - The establishment of a new organisation to support Controlled schools
- Equality Policy Screening - The Establishment of a New Organisation to Support Controlled Schools
- Privacy Notice - The Establishment of a New Organisation to Support Controlled Schools
- Consultation Summary Report on proposals to establish a new organisation to support controlled schools
Consultation description
The consultation sought stakeholder views on proposals to set up a new dedicated organisation to support controlled schools with a focus on ensuring high-quality and equitable support for the controlled sector. The consultation outlined the background of the controlled sector, current support arrangements, identified challenges and the Department’s proposals for improvement.
The consultation outlined the Department’s concept that the new organisation would have a similar remit to the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS), which currently provides dedicated support to Catholic maintained schools. Such a model will require legislation to transfer identified duties and functions to the new body the consultation also sought views on the potential role and functions of a new body in addition to determining the level of support for a new organisation and the interim action to establish a Controlled Schools Unit within the Education Authority.
Consultation Outcome
The Consultation Outcome Report was published on 15 January 2026, summarising the 744 responses that the consultation attracted, including almost half of all controlled school principals. The report set out the overwhelming support for change. Ninety-one percent of respondents agreed that support for controlled schools must improve and eighty-four percent backed the creation of a dedicated organisation.
The Minister has confirmed his intent to move immediately to bring the proposals back to the Executive and press for their inclusion in the legislative programme with an aim of introducing the legislation to establish the new organisation later this year.
The Department would like to thank all those who responded and its report.
Ways to respond
Consultation closed — responses are no longer being accepted.